Finding Happiness©

Happiness is a vine that takes root and grows within the heart, never outside it.Kahlil Gibran It isn’t about the size of the city It’s about the people you’re with The experiences Those little moments Like Cup of hot chocolate on a snowy weekend morning Music Listening to an old record Reading by the river …

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©Love Intentionally

Long before I met you I knew youAnd every counterfeit who came before youI tried to dress them in the image I had of youBut they would never fit because they were not you You who saw beyond what can be seenYou who saw me in my flaws, my vulnerabilities, my full truthYou who saw …

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A Feel Good Story: HAPPY WEEKEND!

To say that there’s a lot of sadness around us, is an understatement. And sometimes joy may be found in the simplest of things and in the most unexpected places like with these two fairy penguins looking over the Melbourne skyline. Widowed penguins appear to comfort each other in nightly embrace The lighter penguin is …

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Who Am I©

Who am IThat You—the Almighty-God is gracious toward meThat You consider my feelingsAnd gather each of my tears in Your bottle of consolation Who am IThat You—the Creator-God thinks of meThat You built art in the middle of eARTh And gave me senses to take delight and pleasure in it Who am IThat You—the Redeemer-God …

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Throwback #1 — D.O.A.© [with video]

Before-word: This piece was written based on the culmination of experiences of those of us who've encountered a lying, deceitful, manipulative narcissist who masqueraded as love. Who among us haven’t had such an encounter that leaves our hearts laden with rue. This is a live recording of a recital of D.O.A. at the Bowery Poetry …

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Retirement© (An Abecedarian)

Before-word: this piece was commissioned for a Director’s retirement. Was my very first acebedarian and submitting it for Looking for an August Scavenger Hunt challenge! After all’s been said and done, another milestone achieved Besides the odds you made the choice to act as you believed Calmly and courageously, you made the bold decision Dedicated time for family and friends, that is …

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Love Does Not Hurt©

Before-word: There’s a difference between accepting someone with and in spite of their faults and accepting their bad attitude or abusive behavior. Love is meek but in its quiet-gentle-submissive nature there is NO room for abuse. Loving you Accepting you All of you completely In your quirkiness, your shortcomings, your flaws and all Leaves no …

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When It’s Right©

When it’s right —you won’t be the only one giving your all —you won’t have to wait for a text or a phone call —you’ll give and receive love with no fear —you’ll want to help each other grow in the life you share —what’s offered on the relationship menu is aligned to what your …

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Kids Say the Darnedest Things

My nephew is on the cusp of turning three years old. But from the grammatically correct sentence structures that seamlessly flow from his lips and the accompanying appropriate facial expressions and gesticulations you would be hard pressed not to think he’s 5 years or older. So mature are his utterances and mannerisms his father, my …

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Love Jones©

... yeah, she gotta love jones—for him: It’s the handsome way he stands out in a crowd Strong muscular features that complement Chiseled angles of caramel-toned face Perfectly-formed brows arched protectively over Pools of dark-brown eyes Eyes that glitter with mischief, laughter and delight Or, could it be nose gently protruding Above the sensuous pout …

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The Choice©

Naked you came into this world And naked you will be leaving When your time has expired Nothing can hold life, escaping Why not love with reckless abandon In the time while heart’s still beating 2021 ©createdbyDEEsign.comAll rights reserved Thank you for reading. First time to the site? Welcome! You may start here👈 and for …

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Love Completely

Love the way your heart knows how to loveLove completelyIt’s cause and cure 2021. ©www.createdbyDEEsign.com. All rights reserved. [Photo credit: http://www.sheisthis.com] Thank you for reading. First time to the site? Welcome! You may start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈In creative solidarity, Dee

Sunday Photo Reflection #9: Night Time Garden Vibes

Today’s reflection is another garden vibe, this time at night. I’ve now transplanted the last of the hydrangeas and roses from pots to the garden. …from pot, …to garden. You may also like Happy Garden Vibes. 2021. ©createdbyDEEsign.com. All rights reserved. Thank you for reading. First time to the site? Welcome! You may start here👈 …

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Mistake: Six Word Story

His greatest mistake, her greatest redemption. Written for Shweta Suresh’s Six Word Story Prompt. The word is “mistake”. Thank you for reading. First time to the site? Welcome! You may start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈In creative solidarity, Dee

Deception Over Love: A Short Story

Delilah exhaled in exacerbation. Exhausted, and left with no more words of defense, she stomped out angrily into the court yard. Pacing aimlessly back and forth, muttering to herself: “How can they say these things about me?” “I did this for my people!” Caught up in ruminating, Delilah didn’t see the crowd growing about her …

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Mistake: Six Word Story

Love mistaken is hurt in waiting. 2021. © http://www.createdbyDEEsign.com All rights reserved. Written for Shweta Suresh’s Saturday Six Word Story Prompt. The word is “mistake.” Thank you for reading! First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈In creative solidarity, Dee

Shabbat Shalom: Why I am A Christian

I came across 12 Bloggerz! hosted by Rory. Rory you asked 12 great questions but one really jumped out at me. So, I’ll answer only that one because it aligned so strongly to something that is integral to who I am—my faith and being a Christian. This is the question: How would you feel if …

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Another Blog Accomplishment—200 Posts!

I made it to 200 posts y’all!!!! Yippeee 🎉🥳🎊 Glad I reached this milestone on this beautiful post on the joy of gardening. I really wish to use the moment of this accomplishment to thank YOU! Yes, YOU! The YOU who take the time to stop in on this space The YOU who choose to …

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Sunday Photo Reflection #7: Happy Garden Vibes

One of the positive things about movements being restricted by this pandemic is that it freed up time and so I picked up new hobbies. In addition to blogging (you may like “Why I Created This Blog”), I also started gardening over the past 2-3 months and it’s been pure JOY! So before I lose …

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B.E.G. — 6 Word Story

Because Earth Gives, cool the warming. Written for Shweta Suresh’s Saturday Six Word Story Prompt. The word is “beg.” I took creative liberty to design an acrostic—B.E.G.—as part of an emphatic 6 word story on behalf of Mother Nature and her plea with humanity to help her help us. Thank you for reading. First time …

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Unmasked©

He didn’t changeShe fell in loveWith the him he wanted her to seeTo steal what she would not give an imposter Egregious mistake unmaskedHer love knows not this man she sees 2021. ©createdbyDEEsign. All rights reserved. Photos by Pexels. Sheryl hosts Your Daily Word Prompt. Today’s word is egregious. I published this piece in my …

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A Goddaughter’s Prayer©

This prayer was written for the christening of my Goddaughter based on the meaning of her names—Diana Elizabeth. DianaIt is decreed in your name: Heavenly, DivineHeavenly angel you are, dispatched from the DivineMay your spirit never wander from the righteousness of GodAnd your footsteps stay anchored in the pathway of His loveMay your eyes see …

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Gone!©

Long before she left she was gone Her heart took its first step out When you couldn’t free up time for her, when all she needed was time with you When what was important to you had nothing to do with her And you made more excuses than doing what you said you’d do She …

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Impervious© (a Senryu)

Hurtful words bounce off Impervious position A duck waddles back 2021 ©createdbyDEEsignAll rights reserved This piece is a contribution to Fandango’s One Word Challenge. Today’s word is “impervious”. “Impervious” made me think of bullying and the power of words to destroy contrasted with the fortitude and resilience of nature. Especially a duck—i.e. water off duck …

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Sunday Photo Reflection #6: Clouds

Today’s reflection is based on pix taken through this window. For most of my flight I was transfixed—watching clouds go by and snapping pix along the way. Flying in the boundless sky, above and through clouds. If I was a painter, I’d reflect the emotions evoked on canvas. But, since I’m a poet I’ll express …

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flAWESOME©

Live your life embracing YOU in your entirety—your scars, what you think of as your flaws, and your brokenness. These are what make you YOU. Distinct. Different. And, flawsomely YOUnique. You’ll find that it’s in the midst of your weakest and unsure moments that God does His most profound work in you. After all, your …

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Gratitude with Empathy: Post-COVID

It’s almost 6 months to the day today, I was feeling the sickest I’ve ever felt and an ER doctor confirmed what I dreaded—I had contracted the novel corona virus. I shared that experience in “I Survived Covid-19: Gratefully Surrendered” I recall the days when I found it difficult to breathe, and the days I …

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You©

I asked for a man who loved God before all others One who understood true love to be more than words Who loves from the knowledge that love is trusting unconditionally And I got you I asked for a man who was strong enough to let me love him A man who loved me despite …

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Love: 6 Word Story

When LOVE ends, it’s never even. Written for Shweta Suresh’s Saturday Six Word Story Prompt. The word is “love.” Check out her blog for the rules and join in the fun. Thanks you for reading! First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈In creative solidarity, Dee

Lovers’ Quote: You Are©

“You are the answer to questions I haven’t yet asked” Written for today’s One-Liner Wednesday prompt from Linda G. Hill. Check out her blog and see who else is participating today. Thanks you for reading! First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈In creative solidarity, Dee

Fake It Till HE Makes It

It’s the wee hours of the morning and sleep has evaded me. My thoughts are somewhat lucid and I want to write. In search of motivation to direct my thoughts, I went to Fandango’s One Word Challenge and the word today is “lucid”. We’ve all heard and may practice the old adage “fake it till …

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In God’s Hands©

Slamming door No goodbyes Footsteps fading quickly No backward glance Skidding tires Racing from a life built together Snow flakes— Gently falling, clinging to bare branches Teardrops— Slowly rolling, staining my round dark cheeks Small puddles— Forming, gliding along the window sill Tail lights— Retreating, fading in the distance In the beginning, talk came easy …

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Lovers’ Quote: Symphony©

This is for One-Liner Wednesday: “our love is His symphony, the physical manifestation of music” Linda hosts One-Liner Wednesday. Check out her blog for the rules and to see who else is participating today. Thank you for reading! First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈

A Pastor’s Birthday Tribute©

When a piece is commissioned I usually consult with the client and/or friends or family to get the backstory to create a piece that is personal and reflective of the context the client wishes to convey. In this case, it was easy because this was for my beloved Pastor, Abraham Jules—writing it was pure joy. …

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The Climb. The Zenith. The Cairn.

One thing that’s kept me sane and connected throughout the pandemic is being in green open spaces. Mother’s Day was spent hiking in the wonderful Palisades Interstate Park. Running up leaf-covered hillsides, balancing across water-logged walk paths, conquering rocky terrains, swinging from trees in carefree abandon—my inner child came out to play. The changes in …

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Lovers’ Quote: Inhale Exhale©

This is for One-Liner Wednesday: lovers’ quote: “your inhales are of my exhales” ©2021 createdbyDEEsign All rights reserved Linda hosts One-Liner Wednesday. Check out her blog for the rules and to see who else is participating today. Thank you for reading! First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈In …

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Heart Story©

Part I Once upon a time in the land of hearts Happy hearts glided along the cloud nine express While enchanted hearts delightfully soared on ecstasy rockets One lonely heart crouched down, despair concealed in the heart-break corner Away from the buzz of new-found love She diligently works to put herself back together again This …

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Lovers’ Quote: Reached©

He reached her in places she didn’t know existed ©2021 createdbyDEEsign This post is a contribution to Linda’s One Line Wednesday: Thank you for reading! First time to the site? Start here👈 and for more follow the blog here👈In creative solidarity, Dee

Sunday Photo Reflection #2

Thanks to spring, the birds are back in their chirping splendor. There’s a special little cutie that’s been dropping by regularly. I love him (I assume he’s a “he”😀) because of his red feathers. In enticing him to hang out with me, I thought I’d get him this birdy bird feeder. Can’t wait for him …

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God Moments©

There are moments that some may call “happenstances” and others “coincidences”. I call them God moments - moments that mark the times when the ordinary of our lives is interrupted and interjected with the extraordinary. They are moments that cannot be explained, or are so perfectly orchestrated they are truly too good to be of …

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BirthMONTH—Day 23: I Affirm Today the Value of Forgiveness

Life sometimes hits hard. Nowhere is this most true that in our relationships. No matter the source of the break or wounding, forgiveness is the best medicine for healing and restoration. Thank you for reading! Follow the blog here👈 for more.In creative solidarity, Dee

BirthMONTH—Day 21: I Affirm Today to Let Go

When you’ve done everything that’s within your power to do, let IT go and let God. IT — relationships; life; love; job; parenting; finances; future etc. — let IT go and let God. Thank you for reading! Follow the blog here👈 for more.In creative solidarity, Dee

BirthMONTH—Day 10: I Affirm Today to Thrive

Life is for more than just surviving. The Bible says it this way—life can be lived not just abundantly, but “more abundantly”. That means not just surviving life, but thriving in life. A thriving life will look different for each of us. I’m aiming to show up to each day fierce and bold; and to …

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BirthMONTH—Day 9: I Affirm Today, Self-forgiveness

word of the day—RELEASE—to allow substance to flow out of What’s done, is done Release yourself from what is done for it cannot be undone But, you may do differently A good starting point is forgiving yourself Self-forgiveness will open you up to receive grace, compassion, healing, restoration, love Thank you for reading! Follow the …

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BirthMONTH—Day 5: I Affirm Today to Tell My Story Like It Really Is

Word of the day: STORY—telling an account of imaginary or real people and events What is the story you’re telling yourself? Whose story is it anyway? As the day unfolds, inevitably we’ll tell ourselves stories about what’s happening around us—in our own lives, about people we’re interacting with, and about ourselves. The story or narrative …

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Just To Be With You©

Here I am again, this vaguely familiar place Miles away from all that matters Memories of you bring soft smiles to my face Although you and I are in different parts of the world tonight I wonder what you’re doing, if you’re thinking of me This distance keeps us from touching, that just ain’t right …

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BirthMONTH—Day 3: I Affirm Today to Speak My Truth

Word of the day:INTROSPECTION—to observe/examine your own mental & emotional processes You have a voice—not just the sound you utter through your mouth; but the power to express your opinion and attitude. Be bold and confident and own that voice in your head. Your voice is the embodiment of who you are—your voice is your …

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i am POETRY©: A tribute to World Poetry Day

Before-word: Poetry has the unique ability to capture and reflect the creative nature of our souls; and, to evoke authentic expressions of one’s self, culture, norms or mores. In this tribute piece to World Poetry Day 2021, I personified poetry as the embodiment of my being. i am POETRY Embodiment of rhythms and rhymesMetaphorical language …

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Death Stole Life©

Death walked into life Stole what would not be given The affection of a daughter The love of a mother The endearment of a sister The protection of an aunt The kindness of a friend Death stole life. Life not fully lived, suddenly taken Gone, but will never be forgotten In my heart I’ll keep …

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Poem: Laughter©

LaughterShe glides Among sunflowersRicochets Across fields of emotions Pleasure-Happiness-Joy She collides, intertwinesUproariously-Unabashedly-EscapesShe collides, intertwinesPleasure-Happiness-JoyAcross fields of emotionsRicochets Among sunflowers She glides Laughter Thank you for reading! Follow the blog👈 for more.In creative solidarity, Dee

Support System

Life lesson: You don’t choose what you go through in life, but you choose how you go through it and who you go through it with. When the ER doctor said what’s been ailing me was COVID-19, the first flash of recall was the number of people who died from this virus. I’d love to …

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The Puzzle

I was listening to Michelle Obama’s podcast and she mentioned doing puzzles as part of her family’s pass time. Having never done a puzzle before I was inspired to start. Well... wouldn’t you know, rather than starting with a 250- or 500-piece puzzle I went for the big-dawg of puzzles—ONE THOUSAND pieces!! When the little …

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Exploring Types of Poem Series: #4 Tanka Poetry

Decisive seizureHeart in transit redirectUncontested force Like cardiac arrestingHeart hijacked by love to love 2022 ©Dawn Minott All Rights Reserved After-word: And concluding the series with a Tanka. I structured this Tanka with a 5/7/5/7/7 syllable structure, it has 5 lines and a pivot. The pivot is intended to apply to the first 2 lines …

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Exploring Types of Poem Series: #1 Traditional Senryu

Before-word: trying my hand at a traditional Senryu sequence which means using 3 lines with 5 syllables in the 1st line, 7 in the 2nd and 5 in the last line (5/7/5); and written in the present tense without rhymes, metaphors or similes. A Senryu is written about love, a personal event, and should have …

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Tribute: Remember Me© [final phase]

Before-word: I wrote this piece as a tribute to the life of a dear dear friend (may her soul Rest In Peace). There was so much to say about this beautiful life, sharing it here in phases, this is the final phase. Resting In Peace And now ...I am the breath held in trust by …

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Tribute: Remember Me© [phase 4]

Before-word: I wrote this piece as a tribute to the life of a dear dear friend (may her soul Rest In Peace). There was so much to say about this beautiful life, sharing it here in phases, this is phase 4. Remember My Be-ing I am the memory residing in your hearts A devoted mother …

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Tribute: Remember Me© [phase3]

Before-word: I wrote this piece as a tribute to the life of a dear dear friend (may her soul Rest In Peace). There was so much to say about this beautiful life, sharing it here in phases, this is phase 3. Remember Me In The Laughter I am the laugh That laughBubbling up from the …

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Tribute: Remember Me© [phase 1]

Before-word: I wrote this piece as a tribute to the life of a dear dear friend (may her soul Rest In Peace). There was so much to say about this beautiful life, sharing it here in phases, this is phase 1. Remember Me As Mother I am the geneThe heredity transferred from me to youMy …

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Tribute: Remember Me© [phase 2]

Before-word: I wrote this piece as a tribute to the life of a dear dear friend (may her soul Rest In Peace). There was so much to say about this beautiful life, sharing it here in phases, this is phase 2. Remember Me In Familial Affection I am the affectionThe arms which held my mamma …

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The Moment I realized…Love Is A Choice

LOVE’S BEGINNING© at love's beginning conversations unending heart-beats skipping each passing moment lingering more of you and more of me unfolding you for me and me for you exchanging soul to soul connecting without words conversing emotions revealing deeper into love falling Thanks for reading. You can interact with this post/me by hitting any of …

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A Letter to Your Younger Self: The “HOW TO”

I did this exercise (writing to my younger self) a few years ago and revisited it recently. I found it therapeutic and fun! It’s a good way to explore your relationship with yourself, to reconnect to points in your past and use that connection to inform positive changes for your now and your future. Have …

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Finding Hope in A Broken World

Before-word: This piece was written in response to the following questions I've been asking myself in the wake of protests to social injustice across the globe: How many times can a people be stretched before their elasticity is extended beyond its capacity to bounce back and they snap instead? What do you do when as …

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Words’ Power!

Before-word: This short essay is thanks to my reaction to a nature show on NatGeo. There I was immersed in the wonders of life in the deepest part of the ocean and I thought: “wow...all of this was spoken into existence”! [clearly, I’m a creationist]. Then I got to thinking about the power of the …

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Unmasked© (a poem)

Before-word: I wrote this piece long before masking became part of global health guidelines. Today we mask-up to protect our immune systems from an unseen predator—the novel corona virus. So for that reason, follow the golden rule of masking: mask-up for others as you’d have them mask-up for you. However, when I wrote this piece …

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D.O.A. | Defiant On Arrival© (a poem)

Before-word: This piece was written based on the culmination of experiences of those of us who've encountered a lying, deceitful, manipulator who masqueraded as love. Who among us haven’t had such an encounter? This is a live recording of a recital of D.O.A. at the Bowery Poetry Café (NY City). [click the “play” icon to …

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